craigcantlie.com

January 15, 2017

At the Forefront

What school is your child going to attend next year? During my childhood you simply went to the school that was in your neighbourhood; but that is not necessarily the case anymore. Parents are looking for schools that will give their children an excellent education, make them feel valued, and perhaps provide them with opportunities to stay a step ahead of the pack.

At Caulfeild Elementary (iDEC) we are at the forefront of modern learning. As a school we embrace an Inquiry-Based/Design Thinking Model of Learning; we utilize technology as a tool for learning; we believe that we are a community of learners; we foster innovative thought through innovative space; and we ensure our students possess the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy.

The world is changing. School is a system designed for another time where as Sir Ken Robinson says, “conformity, linearity and compliance were valued in education to prepare students for the workforce.” We are now in a time where the entrepreneurial spirit and emerging technologies are moving society forward; where the ability to be creative, communicate effectively, work synergistically with others and critically think are the cornerstones for success.

As a choice school, Caulfeild iDEC has continued to be innovative in ideas that foster modern learning for our students. As an inquiry-based/design thinking school we have embraced the 6 D’s of the learning process. Through this process driven model of education, our students are working on meaningful tasks that demonstrate the purpose of learning. The end result is no longer the most important indicator of success. It is a piece of the learning puzzle, but the process is where our teachers are able to work, and rework with students to ensure the true learning happens.

Not only has the implementation the the D’s encouraged our learning to be relevant and purposeful, it provides a common language for our students as they move from grade to grade. This common language allows for greater collaborative conversations amongst colleagues and a scaffolded approach to the development of inquiry-based/design thinking. Through this learning our students are understanding that school does not exist in a vacuum, and has powerful and relevant applications in the real world.

Caulfeild iDEC began scaling BYOD (bring your own device) before most schools in BC. Through the use of technology our teachers and students were able to provide “just in time” learning to compliment class inquiries. It is hard for learning to be relevant and timely if students need to check an encyclopedia from the 80’s in the library to satisfy their curiosities. In our classes you will see Google Classroom for collaborative work, Fresh Grade for e-portfolios of student success (and failure), coding in various forms, robotics, book creation on the iPad and student presentations using a host of online (and offline) programs. Our students have moved from consumers of technology, to producers with technology. A shift that put our students at the forefront of modern learning.

As a community of learners, our teachers work together in collaborative cohorts and we organize our students in multi-age groupings for specific learning opportunities. As a school we value the connection amongst all learners so we may learn from one another. That sense of community at Caulfeild does not end at the bell. We are proud to note that our Parent Advisory Council organizes a host of after-school activities to meet the diverse interests of our students. Some of our latest offerings are: Zen Maker Labs/3-D Printing, Jr. NBA, WV Minor Hockey League Ball Hockey, Mandarin, Mad Science, Sportball, Chess and Art.

We understand that parents need options for dropping off and picking up should they have work commitments or live out of catchment. This year we have two out-of-school care providers for our school community on site:

–Connections Kids Club offers before and after-school programs as well as camps on Pro-D days and holidays. Contact: childcare@ccssociety.ca

Finally, through experience, we all know that environment influences our being. Our school has developed learning spaces filled with micro-environments. These spaces allow students the freedom to move where they work best. When was the last time you sat in the same desk all day, every day? Did you enjoy it? Likely you did not – neither do most students. Our learning spaces bring the outside in, and provide the freedom of movement that reflects the freedom of thought we are fostering.

Does the learning at Caulfeild Elementary (iDEC) look like it did when you were growing up? Probably not, but neither does the world. Our students learn the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy, but more importantly the relevant and purposeful use of those foundational skills. Taking those skills and connecting them with the conceptual understandings behind our science and social studies work makes for powerful learning across the grades. Our students are creators, collaborators, communicators and critical thinkers – all of which will serve them well, whatever their future holds.

Caulfeild students are at the forefront of modern learning for the modern world.